Button mushroom

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) is the most widely cultivated edible mushroom (white button, cremini, and portobello are stages of the same species). It is used in supplements as a source of mushroom polysaccharides, ergothioneine, and vitamin D when UV-exposed.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Vitamin D status (UV-treated mushrooms)

Good Evidence

UV-exposed mushrooms raise serum 25(OH)D similarly to vitamin D2 supplements, though vitamin D3 is generally more efficient per IU.

Immune support

Limited Evidence

Beta-glucans from mushrooms have immunomodulatory activity in preclinical and small clinical studies.

How it works

A. bisporus provides beta-glucans, conjugated linoleic acid, ergothioneine (a unique antioxidant amino acid), and B vitamins. UV-treated mushrooms convert ergosterol to vitamin D2, providing significant vitamin D content. Some experimental data suggest button mushroom extract may modestly inhibit aromatase, leading to interest in hormone-related applications. Clinical evidence is limited.

Dosage

There is no specific dose. Mushroom extract supplements typically deliver 300 to 1000 mg per serving. UV-treated mushroom vitamin D2 doses are matched to vitamin D needs (typically 1000 to 4000 IU/day).

When and how to take it

No specific timing required. Vitamin D-providing mushroom supplements are best taken with a fat-containing meal.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Whole mushroom or fruiting body extract

Standardized to beta-glucan content in better products.

Beta-glucans absorbed partially; ergothioneine well absorbed.

UV-treated mushroom powder for vitamin D

Used as plant-based vitamin D source.

Vitamin D2 less potent than D3.

Safety

Considered very safe at food and typical supplement levels. Raw mushrooms contain trace amounts of agaritine, a hydrazine compound; cooking destroys most of it, and dietary exposure is well below toxicological thresholds.

Who should be cautious

People with mushroom allergy should avoid. Pregnancy and lactation at food levels are safe.

Interactions

Vitamin D2 from UV-treated mushrooms follows standard vitamin D interactions. Otherwise minimal interactions.

Food sources

Cooked button mushrooms

Amount
100 g
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Are white and brown button mushrooms different?⌄

They are the same species at different maturity stages. Nutritional content is broadly similar.

Should I cook mushrooms before eating?⌄

Yes. Cooking improves digestibility and reduces trace agaritine.

References

Button mushroom on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Button mushroom on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Button mushroom (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Button mushroom with Pilora

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.